Travel Insurance for 150+ Adventure Sports and Activities
Travel insurance designed for adventures while travelling.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Whether you’re planning on going to Brazil, Spain, Thailand or the USA, make sure you’re prepared for any adventure activities you plan to do while abroad. Our plans offer coverage for more than 150 adventure sports and activities, from hiking, snowboarding, scuba diving, hot-air ballooning, skiing, and more. Before you go, be sure you understand the sports cover that is included with your selected World Nomads travel insurance policy, check your itinerary and the weather, and bring the correct gear to ensure you have a safe experience.
- What adventure sports activities are covered by travel insurance?
- What benefits are available for adventure activities?
- What’s not covered?
- FAQs
- Can I extend my policy?
What adventure sports activities are covered by travel insurance?
During your trip, you may want to try activities and sports that aren’t commonly done in Canada. You are automatically covered to participate in various activities under both the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan, however you must add any adventure, sports, work or volunteer activities that you think you’ll be doing while on your trip, at the time you purchase your policy, to make sure you are covered. Check the selected policy before you complete your purchase for the selected limits, as an upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
As long as the activity is listed on your policy, if something goes wrong, your coverage may include benefits for:
World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences but it doesn’t cover everything so don’t assume every activity is included and covered.
If you’re planning on doing a specific sport or activity that isn’t listed as Level 1, then you may need to upgrade your policy. Sports and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3 require an upgrade and an additional premium. Upgrades must be purchased when you buy your policy. Some activities have special conditions and special exclusions. You can contact us if you have any questions around coverage for any activities you plan to do.
What benefits are available for adventure activities?
World Nomads plans offer a variety of benefits that can help when doing adventure sports while overseas, and your coverage benefit limit will vary depending on whether you choose our Standard Plan or our Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on terms and conditions, maximum benefit limits, and any exclusions:
Emergency medical expenses while outside Canada: Our plans offer cover for expenses incurred resulting from injury, sickness or death while on your trip. If at any time during your holiday, you or any of your traveling companions become sick or injured, you’ll need to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our team can assist to locate the nearest hospital or medical facility and may transport you back to Canada if a treating doctor determines this to be medically necessary.
Trip cancellation: If you must cancel your trip due to a covered risk, we cover up to the maximum limit under the policy for your non-refundable prepaid trip costs of your unused travel arrangements. For example, if you or any of your travel companions get sick or injured and you need to cancel your holiday, we may cover prepaid and non-refundable expenses. Please note that you’ll need to submit documents when filing a trip cancellation claim for a covered reason. Depending on your case, you'll need copies of:
- Receipts
- Itineraries
- Doctors/death certificates
- Medical history
- Written documentation from your travel provider outlining any refund you received and their cancellation penalties
Coverage for baggage and personal belongings: The policy provides coverage if your baggage or personal belongings becomes lost or damaged by your Common Carrier or stolen. You’ll need to have receipts, along with reports from the authorities or an incident report from your airline or other carrier (if your belongings were lost in transit) in order to submit a claim.
What’s not covered?
Here are some examples of what is not covered under our plans. Please refer to your policy for the complete list:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (Please refer to the Exclusions for Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage section of the policy wording for more information on coverage for pre-existing medical conditions).
- If you do not use a professional qualified and licensed guide or operator where required.
- Any search or rescue operations to find or rescue you from a life-threatening situation.
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated.
- Damage to any sports or activity equipment while in use.
- Unattended baggage or personal items.
- If you participate in any sport or engage in any activity on a professional basis.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
FAQs
What questions should I ask when choosing a plan?
When purchasing your travel insurance policy you may be tempted to take the most cost-effective option without reading the policy first. Whilst reading the policy document can be a time-consuming task, it’s best to familiarize yourself with all the benefits, policy limits and exclusions before you buy your policy.
World Nomads offer two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both plans offer levels of protection for many of the same types of risks and offer cover for, hospitalization, repatriation, lost, stolen or damaged baggage, and other unexpected costs.
However, the Explorer Plan offers higher policy benefit limits. For example, the Standard Plan offers a maximum benefit limit for emergency medical expenses of $5M, whereas the Explorer Plan offers a maximum benefit limit of $10M.
When choosing which policy is best matched to your needs you should ask yourself:
- How much trip cancellation coverage do I need? (Our Standard Plan covers a maximum limit of $2,500 and our Explorer Plan covers a maximum limit of $5,000)
- How much emergency medical coverage do I need?
- What kind of activities will I be doing on holiday?
- What activities is my travel party planning?
- What coverage do the two different plans offer for these activities?
- What exclusions might apply?
Note: choose your policy carefully as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.
Can I buy travel insurance? I’ve already started traveling.
If you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can still purchase while you’re travelling. Note that a waiting period may apply for some benefits.
Can I extend my policy?
Your policy may be extended up to a maximum 12 months (365 days) from your original policy start date. To qualify and apply for a policy extension:
- You must not have made a claim, or have a reason to claim, on your original policy.
- The request for an extension must be made through, and approved by, World Nomads prior to your original scheduled return date.
You may qualify for a policy extension if you have sought emergency medical treatment or filed a claim for emergency medical treatment prior to extending your trip, however any subsequent medical treatment related to your emergency will not be covered under the extension of coverage.
You must have been eligible for the insurance that you seek to extend at the time of your original booking of your trip and at the time of the request for the extension.
Please note that:
- Policy extensions are not eligible to be refunded.
- The 10-day ‘Right to Examine’ period does not apply.
If you are travelling and want to extend your trip, you can purchase a policy extension by logging into your World Nomads membership account. Select your current policy and follow the prompts to extend your policy.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
World Nomads covers more than 150 activities and sports, and if it’s not on the list you can contact us and we’ll let you know if we’ll cover it.
You can read more about coverage for some specific activities, or select your Country Of Residence and click here to see the activities covered by the plans available to you.
We offer cover for:
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Overseas medical assistance
- Cancellation
- Baggage
I bit on something hard
A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
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Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't publish a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or government healthcare.
Travel insurance for water sports and activities
What to know when getting your adrenaline rush in and around the water
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Making the most of stand-up paddle-boarding SUP in Asia, a casual reef snorkeling experience in Hawaii, or maybe you want to dial up the adrenaline and go parasailing in Canada.
As fun as they sound, water sports activities aren’t always smooth sailing. World Nomads travel insurance can help you keep your head above water if the unexpected occurs.
- What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
- What types of water activities and sports are covered?
- Different levels of cover and optional extras
- What's not covered
- Tips for your water activity and sports trip
What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
As a team of professional travel tragics ourselves, we know how important it is to cover yourself against the unexpected. Medical costs in overseas hospitals can be exorbitant, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Depending on your Country of Residence and your selected plan, travel insurance may help if:
- You’re injured and need medical transport or evacuation home.
- You want cover for your bags and valuables in case they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
- You need to cancel yout rip or your trip is unexpectedly delayed.
- You’ve already left home and need to buy travel insurance.
- You want cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
- You need cover for overseas medical expenses and hospitalization costs.
- You’re looking for cover for adventure sports, activities, and experiences.
Your coverage will vary according to your country of residence and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on cover, maximum benefit limits, exclusions and conditions of your coverage.
What types of water activities and sports are covered?
Whether you want to be in, on or under the water, having insurance as a safety net can be a good idea. These are just some of the many water sports covered under our plans:
- Wakeboarding
- Kiteboarding
- Windsurfing
- Boating (inland and coastal waters)
- Parasailing
- SUP
- Rowing/sculling
- Jet skiing
- Water skiing
- Tubing
and many more activities, sports and experiences…
*All plans are different and may require an upgrade for some water activities and sports. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or water sport option for your trip.
Differents levels of cover and optional extras
With cover for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences, our team of travel experts are all about supporting you as you venture into the global depths.
When considering the specific water or non-water related activities, it’s vital that you decide on what you’ll be doing before going overseas. You cannot add sports or activities after purchasing a policy.
World Nomads has several Level 1 activities, sports and experiences which you’ll be covered for automatically and are usually lower risk activities. For example, snorkeling, parasailing (over water only), water skiing and whitewater rafting are automatically covered under both Standard and Explorer plans.
You may want to push some boundaries and add some more intense activities and sports that are categorised as Level 2 or above. For example, parasailing, deep sea fishing, and water skiing (barefoot) require an additional premium under either plan. The Explorer Plan covers you for higher risk activities and sports and will cost you an additional premium.
Travel insurance tip: World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered. You can’t upgrade your level of cover mid-way through your holiday, so do consider this wisely.
When choosing World Nomads, you’ll have access to two simple and flexible plans – Standard and Explorer. Both plans have several coverage options and optional extras. We offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Overseas medical expenses: whether you’re in a raft traveling at break-neck speed or gliding along behind a boat on skis, if you’re new to these activities, the wobbles are a given. It only takes one fall or jolt to see you wind up with a jarred back, neck or a twisted ankle. Emergency medical bills can ruin your holiday, that’s where insurance comes in.
- 24-hour Emergency assistance: if you’re in a remote area and find yourself in need of urgent medical help, it’s not always easy to find help. World Nomads provides 24-hour Emergency Assistance. Our staff can assist you all the way from needing directions to a medical facility, helping with multi-lingual services, to urgent medical evacuation off a mountain.
- Unexpected weather conditions may interrupt/delay your plans: crazy weather such as tornadoes or cyclones, huge swells, and in some cases tsunami warnings, can delay flights and force operators to cancel pre-booked activities. Our plans may cover unexpected conditions, including natural disasters, trip cancellation and delays.
Whichever plan you go with, you agree to take reasonable care and not put yourself at needless risk while participating in these adventure sports. You must follow any local government or health authority warning or advice.
What's not covered?
While there are several things we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Participation in a water sports competition as a professional athlete
- Sporting equipment damaged from use
- Search-and-rescue mission
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government warnings
- Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies
- Any existing medical conditions, except as may be noted in the policy wording
- Any claims resulting from the violation of local laws
- Losses that come from knowingly exposing yourself to needless risk
- Fraudulent or criminal acts.
Tips for your water activity and sports sports trip
- Cover for stolen baggage and sports gear: travel insurance may be able to help if your water sports equipment is damaged or lost in transit. Note: it won’t be able to help if you break something while you’re using it, like your SUP paddle breaks, as exclusions apply to sports equipment in use.
- Monitor weather conditions and consider your fitness: you may want to reconsider your plans for a water-based holiday if you’re traveling to an island nation during the least optimal season weather-wise. You also need to ensure you are fit enough to take on any water-related activities or sports that you plan on doing. There’s no point signing up for cage-diving for instance if you’re prone to panicking or aren’t a proficient swimmer.
- Ensure your activity operators are certified and/or accredited – you should make sure that any activity you do is covered by the appropriate body or you must have the right experience level and accreditation. For example, if you’re scuba diving you must hold a current P.A.D.I. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), B.S.A.C. (British Sub Aqua Club), SAA (Sub Aqua Association), C.M.A.S. (Confederation Mondiale Des Activites Subaquatiques), or equivalent internationally recognised qualification and follow their relevant association, club or confederation rules and guidelines at all times. Or you must only dive under the constant supervision of a properly licensed diving instructor.
- Do your research regarding vaccinations and entry requirements: if you’re going somewhere remote, ensure you’re up to date with your vaccinations and have taken preventative measures for exotic diseases like malaria, as required by the World Health Organization. Some destinations require proof of these on arrival. Remain up to date with global health warnings by monitoring int and follow the advice of your government.
- Cover for Coronavirus-related events: we offer cover for some Coronavirus-related events that may assist if your trip is derailed by COVID-19. To find out more, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
True Claims Stories
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
